Best of Italy Tour (Rome, Florence, Sorrento)
May 18-28, 2020
$3,899.00 per person, double
ITINERARY
Day 1 – May 18 (Mon) RDU-FLR
Day 2 – May 19 (Tue) FLORENCE
Morning arrival into Florence’s Peretola Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to allow you to get acquainted with the city where the Renaissance reached its highest point.
Day 3 – May 20 (Wed) FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. enjoy your afternoon to explore the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring a dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)
Day 4 – May 21 (Thu) FLORENCE I SIENA I SAN GIMIGNANO I FLORENCE
After breakfast today, head out for a day of discovery to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old world center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight we will share in a delicious dinner at an acclaimed local restaurant near your Florence hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 – May 22 (Fri) FLORENCE I MAGIONE I ASSISI I ROME
Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. Here a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 6 – May 23 (Sat) ROME This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum – a testament to the greatness of Rome’s past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7- May 24 (Sun) ROME, Day at Leisure. (Overnight and B)
Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)
Day 8 – May 25 (Mon) ROME I NAPLES I POMPEII I SORRENTO
This morning drive south to Naples for an orientation tour of the city. Before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)
Day 9 – May 26 (Tue) SORRENTO I POSITANO I AMALFI I RAVELLO I SORRENTO
Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorish architecture blended with pastel colored houses. Weather permitting, board a motorlaunch and cruise along the coast to Amalfi for a walking tour of the old town. Continue to Ravello. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and the Bay of Salerno. Enjoy time for a stroll around the center of town before returning to Sorrento. (B,L)
Day 10 – May 27 (Wed) SORRENTO I CAPRI I SORRENTO
A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you will ascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch and some shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 11 – May 28 (Thu) SORRENTO TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Morning transfer to Naples’ Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. (B)
Note: Air rate is subject to change until booked and confirmed for 2020 departures.
TOUR FEATURES
- Walking tour of Florence, including the Accademia
- Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
- Wine tasting at Maggione Castle
- Tour of Assisi and visit of St. Francis Basilica
- Tour of Rome, including a visit to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Orientation tour of Naples, including a visit to Pompeii
- Amalfi coast excursion, including cruise (weather permitting)
- Excursion to Capri and visit of the Gardens of Caesar Augustus
-Arrival and departure airport transfers
-Baggage handling
-Document holder and luggage tags
-Personalized audio system to hear your guide from a distance
-Hotel taxes and service charges
-City tax
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. Please inquire for quote when making a deposit.
Deposits and Payments:
$350.00 per person due October 1, 2019. Full balance required by March 31, 2020. Payments can be made in the interim as desired, or according to following schedule:
$500.00 November 1, 2019
$500.00 December 1, 2019
$500.00 January 1, 2020
$500.00 February 1, 2020
Final March 31, 2020
Please make all payments to Joy! Cruises and Tours Inc, P O Box 900, Graham NC 27253
Call 919-680-3337, or 919-638-4729 for reservations and information.
Reference #ITAL520
Day 1 – May 18 (Mon) RDU-FLR
Day 2 – May 19 (Tue) FLORENCE
Morning arrival into Florence’s Peretola Airport. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to allow you to get acquainted with the city where the Renaissance reached its highest point.
Day 3 – May 20 (Wed) FLORENCE
Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see michelangelo’s original “David” statue, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its “Gates of Paradise” doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. enjoy your afternoon to explore the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring a dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)
Day 4 – May 21 (Thu) FLORENCE I SIENA I SAN GIMIGNANO I FLORENCE
After breakfast today, head out for a day of discovery to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena’s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old world center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight we will share in a delicious dinner at an acclaimed local restaurant near your Florence hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 – May 22 (Fri) FLORENCE I MAGIONE I ASSISI I ROME
Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. Here a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 6 – May 23 (Sat) ROME This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum – a testament to the greatness of Rome’s past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7- May 24 (Sun) ROME, Day at Leisure. (Overnight and B)
Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant’Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B,D)
Day 8 – May 25 (Mon) ROME I NAPLES I POMPEII I SORRENTO
This morning drive south to Naples for an orientation tour of the city. Before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)
Day 9 – May 26 (Tue) SORRENTO I POSITANO I AMALFI I RAVELLO I SORRENTO
Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorish architecture blended with pastel colored houses. Weather permitting, board a motorlaunch and cruise along the coast to Amalfi for a walking tour of the old town. Continue to Ravello. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and the Bay of Salerno. Enjoy time for a stroll around the center of town before returning to Sorrento. (B,L)
Day 10 – May 27 (Wed) SORRENTO I CAPRI I SORRENTO
A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you will ascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch and some shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 11 – May 28 (Thu) SORRENTO TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Morning transfer to Naples’ Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. (B)
Note: Air rate is subject to change until booked and confirmed for 2020 departures.
TOUR FEATURES
- First class hotel accommodation for 9 nights
- 15 included meals consisting of:
- 9 buffet breakfasts
- 1 gourmet lunch with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurant
- 1 light lunch at Maggione Castle
- 1 dinner at hotel
- 3 gourmet dinners with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurants - Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at hotels and restaurants
- Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
- Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
- Walking tour of Florence, including the Accademia
- Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
- Wine tasting at Maggione Castle
- Tour of Assisi and visit of St. Francis Basilica
- Tour of Rome, including a visit to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Orientation tour of Naples, including a visit to Pompeii
- Amalfi coast excursion, including cruise (weather permitting)
- Excursion to Capri and visit of the Gardens of Caesar Augustus
-Arrival and departure airport transfers
-Baggage handling
-Document holder and luggage tags
-Personalized audio system to hear your guide from a distance
-Hotel taxes and service charges
-City tax
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. Please inquire for quote when making a deposit.
Deposits and Payments:
$350.00 per person due October 1, 2019. Full balance required by March 31, 2020. Payments can be made in the interim as desired, or according to following schedule:
$500.00 November 1, 2019
$500.00 December 1, 2019
$500.00 January 1, 2020
$500.00 February 1, 2020
Final March 31, 2020
Please make all payments to Joy! Cruises and Tours Inc, P O Box 900, Graham NC 27253
Call 919-680-3337, or 919-638-4729 for reservations and information.
Reference #ITAL520